Analyst says MSU baseball has 'really good chance' to advance

The University of Arkansas is hosting an NCAA Tournament Regional in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Harrison Keegan/News-Leader

The Missouri State baseball team celebrates Jeremy Eierman's walk-off home run during the Bears game against Oklahoma State University in the NCAA Regional at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. on Friday, June 2, 2017.(Photo: Jesse Scheve/Missouri State University)

The analyst covering this weekend's games for ESPN3 said Missouri State has a "really good chance" to advance in the NCAA Tournament.

Lance Cormier — the color commentator for this weekend's games in the Fayetteville, Arkansas Regional — said Missouri State's potent offense and strong bullpen could carry the Bears to the next round.

"I believe they have a really good chance," Cormier told the News-Leader. "A couple of guys have already been battle-tested. You’re looking at a team that the stage is not big for them."

Missouri State defeated Oklahoma State 6-5 on Friday in the first round of the tournament. The Bears (41-17) will play again Saturday at 7 p.m. at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

Cormier said the Fayetteville Regional — which features MSU, Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Oral Roberts — is stacked with talent, and he could see any of the four teams advancing to the Super Regional.

"It is going to be tough to get out of this regional," Cormier said. "You’re going to get beat up in this regional. If you come out of it, you’ve got to have some confidence going into that Super Regional."

MSU infielders Jake Burger and Jeremy Eierman have combined to hit 43 home runs this season, putting them both in the Top 10 nationally.

Cormier said Thursday the key for Missouri State this weekend would be scoring early in games and handing leads to its stellar relief pitchers.

The Bears showed Friday that they can win other ways, as well. When the bullpen blew a save opportunity, the Bears rallied to win thanks to a walk-off home run from Eierman.

Missouri State has not made it to the College World Series since 2003, but Cormier said the Bears have a chance to end that streak this year.